Stock Cam
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 554
Likes: 13
Stock Cam
I have decided to just tear into my engine. Doing a rebuild most likely. I am currently searching for parts I need. I know y’all may think I’m crazy, but I would like to keep my engine all stock. Everything. I am having trouble finding a stock cam, aside from the engine tech one on Rock auto. Is this brand any good?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I'd be really leery of aftermarket camshafts these days, except from Isky maybe. Find a Ford or Motorcraft NOS somewhere. Made of good henry steel. Same with lifters. Way too much labor involved on your part to trust to scheisse recycled beer can materials.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 554
Likes: 13
Yes exactly: I found another made my meling, is that a good brand? Just a little more expensive than the EngineTech
as you can tell I am new the the whole buying engine parts game, I can get an engine to run easily but it’s the knowledge in parts I lack
as you can tell I am new the the whole buying engine parts game, I can get an engine to run easily but it’s the knowledge in parts I lack
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 42,561
Likes: 423
From: Long Island USA
Melling should be good, engine rebuilders have used their stuff since the beginning of time.
As for avoiding aftermarket, I can't see how so many aftermarket cams are sold with them all being pieces of crap
As for avoiding aftermarket, I can't see how so many aftermarket cams are sold with them all being pieces of crap
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
I mean recently, a lot of the Unpleasantness associated with the engine oil and zinc/phosphorous, is also at least partly attributed to soft cam lobes or defective lifters or improper heat treating. A lot of the camshaft blanks available and ground by the domestic camshaft folks are made in you-know-where.
Brand names don't mean anything either, as far as that goes, particularly country of origin, but that's not news. Melling is a good name, but I don't want to play guinea pig either. Point being a wiped cam lone and stripper glitter throughout the crankcase means a complete engine teardown - starting over. F that. Since he wants to use a stock camshaft, buy a stock camshaft. Why take a chance.
Brand names don't mean anything either, as far as that goes, particularly country of origin, but that's not news. Melling is a good name, but I don't want to play guinea pig either. Point being a wiped cam lone and stripper glitter throughout the crankcase means a complete engine teardown - starting over. F that. Since he wants to use a stock camshaft, buy a stock camshaft. Why take a chance.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
I know you want to to go stock, but the way to avoid the cam issues is with a roller cam. Serving suggestion.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 554
Likes: 13
I would love to do that but it’s way out of budget, trying to spend less than $150 on a cam, and then buy lifters separate.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 863
From: Foothills of NC
How much more is a roller cam setup complete compared to a stock cam and lifters?
If just a few hundred, you will be ahead. You won't have to be constantly checking out oils every change to see if the zinc content has changed, or spending an extra $20.00 per oil change for add in zinc.
The time and expense of the above can soon make up for the difference, plus, wondering if your cam is wearing down each time you drive it.
If just a few hundred, you will be ahead. You won't have to be constantly checking out oils every change to see if the zinc content has changed, or spending an extra $20.00 per oil change for add in zinc.
The time and expense of the above can soon make up for the difference, plus, wondering if your cam is wearing down each time you drive it.
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 554
Likes: 13
I am once again encountering one of my downfalls, second thoughts.
if I will be rebuilding because there is a lifter tick, could I just replace the lifters or does the cam need replacing also? Just to buy some more time? Or should I just continue with starting to tear it down all the way, or just a top end.
if I will be rebuilding because there is a lifter tick, could I just replace the lifters or does the cam need replacing also? Just to buy some more time? Or should I just continue with starting to tear it down all the way, or just a top end.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 863
From: Foothills of NC
You're going to have to take the intake off anyway. When you get that off, check the lift on each lifter to make sure you don't have a worn lobe on the cam you have that is causing your tick.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
In theory at least, your original camshaft may be perfectly serviceable.
Measure the lobes accurately to be sure. Use new lifters. Break-in at high RPM 20 minutes as normal.
Old lifters on a new camshaft, on the other hand, is not a good plan. (Even that has been done, many times, by people who were not informed this is supposed to be impossible)
Measure the lobes accurately to be sure. Use new lifters. Break-in at high RPM 20 minutes as normal.
Old lifters on a new camshaft, on the other hand, is not a good plan. (Even that has been done, many times, by people who were not informed this is supposed to be impossible)
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 610
Likes: 42
From: Lacey
If you're going to crack open any gaskets, you may as well do it right once and buy all new. Why reuse an old cam just because of concern of myths, wives tales and what ifs? Pull the engine, get it cleaned up, careful measuring and machining, buy new parts, reassemble it to the letter and run conventional oil or run the Lucas ZDDP additive like 10s of thousands of other people do. If your current cam has a lifter tick going on, it happened for a reason. If you want to keep going into the engine afterwards, reuse some parts.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
Flat lobes and stripper glitter oil aren't "myths", I just pointed out if someone wants to use a stock camshaft for whatever reason he would be best served using a Ford camshaft, all things being equal. I trust OEM materials generally speaking, more than aftermarket stuff. Just sayin'. Carry On.